Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, April 21, 2011
This Day in Naval History - April 20
From the Navy News Service
1796 - Congress authorizes the completion of three frigates.
1861 - Norfolk Navy Yard in Virginia is abandoned and burned by Union forces.
1914 - In the first call to action of naval aviators, a detachment on USS Birmingham sailed to Tampico, Mexico.
1915 - The first Navy contract for lighter-than-air craft is awarded.
1942 - USS Wasp (CV 7) launches 47 British aircraft to reinforce Malta.
1947 - Navy Capt. L.O. Fox, supported by 80 Marines, accepted the surrender of Lt. Yamaguchi and 26 Japanese soldiers and sailors, two-and-a-half years after the occupation of Peleliu and nearly 20 months after the surrender of Japan.
1953 - USS New Jersey (BB 62) shells Wonsan, Korea, from inside the harbor.
1964 - USS Henry Clay (SSBN 625) launches a Polaris A-2 missile from the surface in the first demonstration that Polaris submarines could launch missiles from the surface as well as from beneath the ocean. Thirty minutes later, the submarine launched another Polaris missile while submerged.
GW Sailors Stay on Top of Warfare Quals
By Mass Communication Specialist First Class (SW) Tal Reeve, USS George Washington Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS George Washington completed, "Warfare Days", an incentive in which Sailors are earning their enlisted warfare qualifications, while underway in the Pacific Ocean April 18.
Every weekend, while George Washington is at sea, members of the crew meet in the mess decks and hangar bays to take part in the ship's "warfare days". During this time, enlisted Sailors can work on their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) or Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualifications.
"These programs really help Sailors get a broad understanding of all the departments," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Glen Newbins of Denver, Colo., George Washington's warfare program coordinator. "They learn how every department works together as one team; they learn how every one plays a vital role in the mission of the ship."
The ESWS program began in 1978 to recognize the qualifications and hard work of Sailors while aboard surface ships. During the programs inception it was mandatory for all second class petty officers and above. It has since become available to all hands.
"The more qualified Sailors are; the more experienced they are, the more valuable they are to their ship and the Navy," said George Washington's command master chief (AW/SW) Martin King.
Aboard George Washington, Sailors have 30 months to complete the qualifications after they sign up for the program. "But really it should take only 4-6 months," added Newbins.
For Machinist Mate Fireman (SW) Joshua Pearson from Vernon, Conn., it took less than a month to earn his EAWS pin.
"I studied a lot," Pearson said. "While standing trash watch for five hours a day, every day, I had plenty of time to crack open my books."
During George Washington's last "Warfare Day" he passed both the test and the board, only missing three questions out of the 60 the warfare board asked.
The process for earning a pin involves first getting a warfare specific professional qualifications standard (PQS) book. This is completed by frequenting specific departments and proving your knowledge to the experts within. Sailors then have to pass a 200 question test related to the program and prove themselves in a review board with several departmental representatives.
"I get a real feeling of personal pride when I see these guys complete their qualifications. I remember when I went through the program back in the day," said Newbins. "I want these guys to get that same feeling I had."
"I feel like there's nothing to worry about now that both of my pins are complete," Pearson said. "I'm definitely going to help my shipmates with their pins now. If I can do it, so can they."
George Washington holds "Warfare Days" every weekend while at sea and will continue to do so until all hands are qualified.
"It's not about a pin on the uniform or a pennant on a flag; it's about having highly qualified Sailors aboard George Washington," said King. "Personal, professional qualifications should always be in the forefront of every Sailor's mind."
George Washington has been underway since March 21, departing her forward-deployed port of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka in response to the complex nature of the natural disaster that struck Japan, March 11.
Secretary of the Navy Visits Ronald Reagan, Praises Crew
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) welcomed the 75th Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) April 20, who thanked the crew for their efforts during Operation Tomodachi.
SECNAV Ray Mabus expressed his gratitude to the crew during an all-hands call in the hangar bay, praising them for their efforts in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 11.
"I made a special trip here to thank you all for what you do and to tell you how much pride you have brought, not only to the Navy or to the Reagan strike group, but to the United States of America," Mabus said.
The ships of Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) were the first on the scene in Japan, and began providing HA/DR support immediately after arriving March 13.
Mabus said the hard work and quick response by the CSG greatly helped Japan, and showed the adaptability of changing the strike group mission to meet the challenges of HA/DR.
"Using the same people, the same platform, the same equipment and the same training, you went from doing high-end combat training to doing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief overnight," Mabus said. "The way you have taken the training to do completely different things and instead of precision strikes you're using it to do precision humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; nobody else can do that."
During his visit, Mabus met with Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 leadership and was briefed on the CSG's HA/DR operations and greeted Sailors and Marines throughout the ship.
Army to Transfer Manning to Leavenworth
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 – The Army plans to transfer Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, charged with leaking classified military information in the WikiLeaks incident, to a new Joint Regional Correctional Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Jeh C. Johnson, the Defense Department’s general counsel, announced today.
Johnson explained the rationale noting that it is the right time to transfer Manning to a more appropriate facility for long-term pre-trial confinement.
“At the request of Private Manning's defense counsel, an assessment is under way to determine whether Private Manning is mentally competent in this case in the event it goes to trial,” he said. “On Saturday, April 9, the inquiry phase of that process, known in military justice terms as a 706 board, was completed, and Private Manning's presence in the Washington, D.C., area is no longer necessary for that purpose.
“At this juncture of the case, we have decided that the new joint regional correctional facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is the most appropriate facility for Private Manning for continued pretrial detention,” he said.
Manning’s transfer from the pretrial confinement facility at Marine Base Quantico in Virginia is “imminent,” Johnson said, but citing standard policy, he declined to provide precise details.
"This is the right decision at the right time," Army Undersecretary Joseph W. Westphal said, reinforcing Johnson's explanation.
"This [facility] became available in January for pretrial [confinees]," Westphal said. "We were looking at the situation where he would need an environment that was more conducive to a longer-term period, and this is why we made the decision to move him at this time. We needed to wait until the 706, and his participation in the 706 review process was over."
With the medical review of Manning’s competence to stand trial expected to take additional time, and a pretrial phase that “may continue for months beyond that,” Johnson said, the decision was made to transfer him to Fort Leavenworth.
Army Corrections Command reviewed the new facility and determined it has the expertise and capability to provide continued, long-term pretrial confinement for Manning, Johnson said.
“The facility, which opened in October and opened a pretrial confinement capability in January, is a state-of-the-art complex with the best and widest range of support services available to pretrial prisoners within the Department of Defense corrections system,” he said.
The facility has resident medical and mental-health care staff appropriate to meet Private Manning’s health and welfare needs for the remainder of the 706 Board process into the pretrial phase, Johnson said.
“When he is transferred to the Joint Regional Correction Facility, he will receive support from experienced, trained professional staff that has been doing this for well over 20 years,” said Army Lt. Col. Dawn Hilton, the facility commander. “And he will receive the mental health, physical health and emotional health [support] that he needs to go through this judicial process.”
"The Quantico brig is a Level 1 facility that is not intended for long-term incarceration either pre- or post-trial," she said. Typically, pretrial prisoners are not incarcerated at a Level 1 facility for more than a couple months."
The Joint Regional Correctional Facility in Kansas is a state-of-the-art, Level 2 facility, Hilton said. "So what that means is that I have the capacity to hold not only the pretrial prisoners, but post-trial prisoners with sentences up to five years. And with that comes all the support staff that Pfc. Manning may need," she said.
"I have the experienced staff who not only work at the Joint Regional Correctional Facility, but also at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth," she continued. "So it's more than just the facility. It's the staff that comes with the facility. My facility is different than the [Quantico] brig. I am developed, designed and staffed with the experienced staff to provide those services for long-term incarceration."
Johnson emphasized that the decision to transfer Manning should not be interpreted as any criticism of the pretrial facility at Quantico.
“We remain satisfied that Private Manning’s pretrial confinement at Quantico was in compliance with legal and regulatory standards in all respects,” he said. “And we salute the military personnel there for the job they did in difficult circumstances.”
As at Quantico, Manning will be allowed to receive a limited number of outside visitors at Fort Leavenworth, subject to his and the command’s agreement, Johnson said. In addition, he said, the Army will allow a limited number of media representatives to tour the Leavenworth pretrial facility.
Manning will return to Washington as necessary, for legal proceedings, with his case remaining under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
Johnson emphasized that as the case progresses, Manning will be assumed innocent until proven guilty.
“It is important to remember that while Private Manning is charged with very serious offenses involving classified information and national security, in our system of military justice, as in our system of civilian justice in this country, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty,“ he said.
Pretrial confinement, common to both systems, “has been determined to be appropriate in this case,” he said.
Manning, an Army intelligence analyst, is suspected of being involved in one of the largest leaks of classified material in U.S. history, Johnson said. The leak involved hundreds of thousands of diplomatic and military documents, including classified records about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The WikiLeaks organization published many of these documents online, drawing criticism by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other defense officials, who charge they put deployed U.S. service members at increased risk.
Missing WWII Airman Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. James G. Maynard, of Ellenwood, Ga., will be buried on April 22 at Arlington National Cemetery. On March 12, 1945, Maynard and five crew members aboard a C-47A Skytrain departed Tanauan Airfield on Leyte, Philippines, on a resupply mission to guerilla troops. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. When the aircraft failed to return, a thorough search of an area ten miles on either side of the intended route was initiated. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the six men were presumed killed in action. Their remains were determined to be non-recoverable in 1949.
In 1989, a Philippine National Police officer contacted U.S. officials regarding a possible World War II-era aircraft crash near Leyte. Human remains, aircraft parts and artifacts were turned over to the local police, then to U.S. officials at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).
From 1989 to 2009, JPAC sought permission to send teams to the crash site but unrest in the Burauen region precluded on-scene investigations or recovery operations. Meanwhile, JPAC scientists continued the forensic process, analyzing the remains and physical evidence already in hand.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA—which matched that of Maynard’s cousin—in the identification of his remains.
At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.
Commander, Naval Forces Korea Sailors Honor Lost ROK Sailors
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs
SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Sailors from Commander, Naval Forces Korea and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies honored Sailors lost on ROKN ship Cheonan (PCC-772) during a memorial and bell ringing ceremony April 20.
Cheonan sank March 26, 2010, in the Yellow Sea after being struck by a torpedo. The lives of 46 sailors onboard were lost along with Warrant Officer Han Jun-ho who died during subsequent rescue operations.
"We are here to honor and remember their service to the sea," said Rear Admiral Pete Gumataotao, Commander, Naval Forces Korea. "As we in the United States Navy will never forget the Sailors of USS Cole and USS Stark, we will never forget the Sailors of Cheonan."
The ceremony began with a brief invocation and speech by Lt. Chong-wook Kim, flag lieutenant to Gumataotao.
Kim served aboard Cheonan as weapons control officer in 2005 and expressed condolences for the 46 sailors, who went down with Cheonan.
"I was in deep grief before her shortly, tried to recollect the past time I had spent with her, and buried those beautiful memories within my heart forever," said Kim.
Taps were played and two bells were rung during the ceremony, to honor each of the servicemen who lost their lives while serving on Cheonan.
"Those who gave their self in service of their country will never be forgotten," said Gumataotao.
USS George Washington Returns to Yokosuka
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Erin Devenberg, USS George Washington Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to the ship's forward operating port at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after almost exactly one month at sea, April 20.
"Even after being at sea all this time, we are still ahead of our maintenance schedule and it's because of you," said George Washington's Commanding Officer Capt. David Lausman during an all-hands call on the ship's flight deck the afternoon prior to the ship's return to Yokosuka. "The Sailors aboard this ship, our hard working crew, you are our real secret weapon."
Under normal circumstances, it would take nearly three weeks to get George Washington ready for sea while in the middle of a routine maintenance period. Following the Japan earthquake, the crew got the ship underway in an unprecedented time frame of just six days.
"That is your legacy… this is your ship, you did this, you deserve all the credit," added Lausman.
Continuing maintenance at sea was an unscheduled hurdle for the ship but one George Washington was able to overcome with the help of 466 shipyard workers from Puget Sound and Norfolk Naval Shipyard and 116 Japanese contractors from Ship's Repair Facility (SRF) Yokosuka.
"Our continued work at sea allowed us to complete more than 1,000 jobs on the ship plus 500 to 600 jobs in the plant," said Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Pomeroy, maintenance manager, George Washington. "We still have work to do, but couldn't have gotten this far without their full support."
During the short underway, the ship pulled into port twice, both times in Sasebo, Japan, to pick up supplies and transfer personnel. On the second visit, however, George Washington's crew also had a chance to get off the ship an enjoy two days of liberty. Among those going ashore were more than 50 Sailors who volunteered their time at the Sakura Challenged Home, a facility for the physically and mentally handicapped.
"This particular community service event was an excellent opportunity to give our Sailors a chance to meet with some of the local people and help the community," said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Pimentel, one of George Washington's command chaplains. "This project also gave them a chance to interact with people of a capacity that they may not be use to interacting with or may not be comfortable interacting with."
Now back in Yokosuka, George Washington will continue her routine maintenance. For the crew, their time at sea and experiences since the earthquake has given them a newfound perspective on life.
NSTC, Navy Band Great Lakes Salute the Military Child
By Scott A. Thornbloom, Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs
NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) and Navy Band Great Lakes are supporting and saluting local children to celebrate Month of the Military Child including a performance at Forrestal Elementary April 14.
The band has performed concerts and educational music celebrations at more than five area elementary and high schools in the area surrounding Naval Station Great Lakes throughout April.
At Forrestal Elementary, the band's brass quintet, the 'Brass Ambassadors,' performed a number of familiar songs before more than 500 students, teachers and parents during a school assembly April 14.
"It is vital to have assemblies dedicated to military families and military children. As a husband and father of two I know personally of the sacrifice that my family makes so I can serve the Navy to the best of my ability," said tuba player and Musician 3rd Class Dave Yeager. "These events may be the only opportunity in a year for these sacrifices to be recognized and appreciated."
"I was very happy and proud to participate in this event. The opportunity to both celebrate our military children and to provide support of arts education is a win-win situation," he continued.
According to the Department of Defense website, "there are 1.7 million American children and youth under 18 with a parent serving in the military and about 900,000 with one or both deployed multiple times. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience."
During the Forrestal concert, the school also took time to recognize the entire military family.
"We serve well over 75% of the military population," said Dr. CasSandra A. Brooks, Forrestal's principal. "Students need to feel good about themselves. We recognize African-Americans during the month of February and Latino-Americans during the month of September. It's all about making children feel good about who they are and what they represent."
Brooks said she hoped the students at Forrestal would take away an understanding how "it's difficult to be a child whose parents are in the military. We understand how hard it is for change and to make new friends at a new school and especially how hard it is to adjust having parents deployed."
Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Rudoff Liverpool, a recruit division commander at the Navy's Boot Camp, also attended the Forrestal assembly, representing Operation Military Kids (OMK).
OMK is a U.S. Army collaborative effort with American communities to support children and youth impacted by military deployments. As part of OMK, Liverpool handed out Hero Packs to eight Forrestal students who have a parent or parents currently deployed.
According to OMK, Hero Packs serve as a tangible expression of support for military families from their communities and OMK partners.
"The items that go into the packs are things that will help a child through a deployment such as stationary, blank photo albums, journals and small games. One if the most special items are hand written letters from other children thanking the military kids for their sacrifice," Liverpool said.
"Our goal each year is to reach more (military) children in hopes of making them feel more connected to their communities. A lot of time these children feel isolated is because they may not know anyone else in their situation."
The quintet performed nine songs that included a wide range of music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Eine Kleine Nacht Musik' and Gioacchino Rossini's 'William Tell Overture' to Sesame Street's 'Rubber Ducky' and the theme from 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.
"This is probably the most fun and rewarding part about my job as a musician," said trumpet player and Musician 2nd Class Kurt Zemaitaitis. "I get to represent the Navy and inspire kids and their families about music and the arts. I hope the kids learned that making music can be fun and rewarding."
Each of the 'Brass Ambassadors' also took a few minutes to explain their instruments (trumpets, trombone, tuba and French Horn) to the students.
"I was extremely pleased that the Navy Band decided to come out today. They were a joy to our students as well as our staff and special guests. It shows a sense of collaboration between our schools and the Navy. They wanted to come and help us celebrate the military child," Brooks said.
Other concerts and clinics performed by members of Navy Band Great Lakesvduring the Month of the Military Child include Wayne Thomas (Highland Park, Ill.,) Elementary and Daniel Webster (Waukegan, Ill.), April 21; Waukegan High School, April 26; and a concert for the Oak Terrace (Highland Park) Elementary after school activity program, April 29.
"I hope all the children at the assembly were inspired by our concert to at least be interested in the arts. I hope the military children came away with a great sense of pride in knowing they are appreciated by their peers, teachers, and all those who serve with their parents in defense of our nation," Yeager said.
USS McCampbell Strengthens Partnership
By Ens. Emily McMenamin, USS McCampbell Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) completed a maneuvers and communication exercise with Republic of Korea Ulsan-class frigate ROKS Seoul (FF 952) April 18.
During the exercise, the two ships completed shipboard maneuvering drills and practiced transmitting and receiving flashing light and flag hoist messages.
The exercise was a learning experience and training opportunity for both crews. It also helped to reaffirm the important relationship between the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies. Opportunities such as this help build upon the alliance that exists between the two navies.
This was the first time McCampbell operated with the Republic of Korea Navy since participating in the Invincible Spirit exercise in July 2010.
This Day in Naval History - April 19
From the Navy News Service
1783 - George Washington proclaims the end of hostilities with Great Britain.
1861 - President Lincoln orders the blockade of Southern ports from South Carolina to Texas.
1955 - USS Albany (CG 10) and USS William Wood (DD 715) begin to provide disaster relief to citizens of Volos, Greece.
Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Organization Reaches Out to Wounded Warriors
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 – In what started out as a small pilot program, members of Disabled American Veterans, working with the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, began visiting wounded warriors at Fort Bragg, N.C., to talk about benefits and services available to them after they leave active duty.
Now 40 DAV transition service officers have become regulars at 144 military installations participating in the joint VA-DOD Benefits Delivery and Discharge Program, which provides transition assistance to separating service members who incurred disabilities related to their military service.
DAV National Commander Wallace E. “Wally” Tyson called DAV’s contribution a vital link to the newest generation of disabled veterans.
“We want to get to those veterans before they are released from active duty so we can help get them on a path toward reinstituting a life for themselves and making sure they know what benefits are available to them and their families,” he told American Forces Press Service.
As partners in military transition assistance programs and disability transition assistance programs, DAV transition service officers conduct or participate in pre-discharge briefings, review wounded warriors’ treatment records on request and confer with Defense and Labor Department officials and other participants in the discharge process.
The program, Tyson said, enables DAV to help service members through the process of developing evidence, completing applications and prosecuting claims for veterans benefits administered under federal, state and local laws. But one of the biggest benefits of the effort, he added, is ensuring that separating service members don’t find themselves in a situation where their military benefits are discontinued and VA benefits have not yet started.
“I can’t overemphasize the value of the complete package,” agreed Ron Minter, DAV’s national service officer supervisor for Maryland. “When [transition assistance officers] have that opportunity, it allows more prompt service and a smoother transition and, to a greater degree, a seamless transition” from military to civilian life.
And even if transitioning service members may not feel the need for DAV support now, Tyson said, that initial contact lays important groundwork for future help, when and if it is needed. DAV’s outreach to wounded warriors about to make this transition is a natural extension of its historic mission to serve veterans with service-connected disabilities and their families, he said.
Robert S. Marx, a captain who had been wounded in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France in November 1918, is credited with founding DAV to serve disabled World War I veterans who returned home to little government support. Congress, impressed with its effectiveness, chartered DAV in 1932 as the primary advocate for disabled veterans.
Ninety-one years since its founding, Tyson said, DAV is as relevant today as it’s been at any time in its history. He noted the growing number of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who have joined its 1.2 million-member ranks, benefiting from its claims and benefits assistance and its voluntary services program.
DAV offers a broad range of services to disabled veterans, all at no charge, thanks in large part to an army of more than 14,000 volunteers. Some drive a fleet of more than 1,400 vans, transporting veterans to VA medical centers, supermarkets or even barber shops. Others volunteer their services at VA medical facilities and regional clinics.
In addition, a cadre of highly trained national service officers, all with wartime-service-connected disabilities, reviews veterans’ claims and ensures veterans know what benefits and services they’re entitled to.
During 2010 alone, they interviewed almost 185,000 veterans and their families, Tyson reported. As a result, they filed more than 250,000 new claims for benefits, obtaining $5.1 billion in new and retroactive benefits for the disabled veterans they represented.
In addition, DAV employs nine national appeals officers who represent disabled veterans before the VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Last year, these national appeals officers represented appellants in about 5,000 cases. Of those cases, Tyson reported, almost three-quarters resulted in the original decisions being overturned or remanded to regional office rating boards for additional development and re-adjudication.
In an effort to better support disabled veterans, DAV is increasing its outreach into rural areas and other areas where veterans traditionally have been underserved. During 2010, DAV’s 10 new mobile service offices traveled almost 115,000 miles and visited 815 cities and towns to interview more than 20,000 veterans and other potential claimants, Tyson reported.
“This outreach effort generates a considerable amount of claims work from those veterans who may not otherwise have the opportunity to seek assistance at DAV national service offices,” he said.
One of the more popular outreach efforts, the “Harley’s Heroes” project, involves setting up DAV booths at local Harley-Davidson Motor Co. dealerships that underwrite the cost of the project. Mobile service offices visited 183 Harley-Davidson dealerships last year. In addition to serving up refreshments and distributing information, DAV national service officers offered to review veterans’ paperwork to help in determining whether they’re eligible for benefits or services.
“We want them to bring any evidence they have, if they never filed a claim or want to reopen a claim,” Tyson said. “And they’re getting the best of both worlds. They don’t have to travel [to a VA facility], and they are going to get an expert working on their claim. Our national service officers are the best-trained out there.”
With most of its current members from the Vietnam War era, Tyson said, it’s time for the organization to throw its support to the nation’s youngest disabled veterans and welcome them into the fold.
“We don’t want a repeat [of the Vietnam homecoming experience],” Tyson said. “We hope we have learned from those mistakes, and to a great degree, I believe we as a nation have. Now we want to incorporate the younger veterans. It’s our turn to mentor them and let them take some of the leadership roles” within DAV.
Continuing Promise Doctors Hold Ultrasound Exchange with Kingston Staff
By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson USAF, Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs
KINGSTON, Jamaica (NNS) -- Medical personnel embarked aboard Military Sealift Command USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) facilitated a subject matter expert exchange with Jamaican medical personnel from the Kingston Public Hospital in support of Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11), April 18.
During the exchange, the group focused on different ways to get the most effective and efficient use out of ultrasound machines. They also practiced identifying various probes, proper probe positions and how to identify fluid within the body.
"This training will basically help others realize that ultrasound machines are really versatile," said Lt. Kylie Wainer, emergency medicine physician from Trego, Wis.
During the class, Wainer covered the four different types of probes, their use, their placement and how to adjust each machine to display the desired image based on location.
Wainer said ultrasound machines save time, money and radiation exposure, coupled with providing patient convenience.
"It is so much easier to determine if there is fluid where there shouldn't be if you use the machine," said Wainer. "You don't have to send down the request, wait for confirmation, send the patient down and wait for three hours to get the results."
According to Wainer, ultrasound machines provide immediate sight into the body cavity and they take less than three minutes to perform. She also said ultrasounds are also non-invasive, versatile, portable and produce no radiation.
"Familiarization is key," said Wainer. "Once you get that down, everything will be so much easier.
Many of the participants expressed their feelings about the training after completing the hands-on portion.
"This training has opened my eyes to ultrasounds," said Karen Foster, registered nurse and midwife from Kingston, Jamaica. "Now, when a doctor tells me to send the patient to radiology, I will encourage them to use the machine first."
Family Matters Blog: Show Seeks Military Families for Home Makeover
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 – I’m excited to share new information about an amazing opportunity for deserving military families.
The producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are seeking people involved in the military whose home deserves an extreme makeover.
The producers and celebrity hosts are looking for people with “amazing strength of character and who put their own needs aside to help others,” a press release said. “Whether it’s a soldier, a mom, a teacher or a fireman, we think deserving families are families who inspire those around them.”
Additionally, the show’s producers are seeking families whose houses need major alterations or repair – “homes that present serious problems for the family and affect the family’s quality of life.”
To be eligible, families must own their single family home and be able to demonstrate how a makeover will make a difference in their lives.
Interested military families or people who wish to nominate a military family should e-mail a short description of the family’s story to emheusa@gmail.com. The e-mail should include the names and ages of household members, a description of the family’s challenges, an explanation of why the family is deserving of a makeover or is a positive role model in the community, photos of the family and their home, and contact numbers.
The deadline for nominations is May 30, but people should send submissions early, the release said. Only up to 25 families are selected each season.
For more information on the application process, visit
http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=apply.
Please pass this information on to deserving military families. I hope to see a few on “Home Edition” next season.
For more on Family Matters, visit the blog or check out Family Matters on Facebook or Twitter.
High School Athletes Compete in Navy SEAL Invitational
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Lamb, Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Athletes from eight California high school teams tested their physical limits and mental toughness during the first ever Navy SEAL Invitational Tournament, April 16, at the Naval Special Warfare Center.
The tournament included physical and mental challenges that pushed the athletes to succeed beyond their expectations. The event consisted of both water and land challenges that required individual persistence, determination, athleticism, strength, endurance and enthusiasm.
Athletes swam and conducted underwater retrieval exercises in the Navy SEAL training pool. Then they climbed ropes, ran relays, flipped tires, negotiated the SEAL Obstacle course and ended the contest with a timed mile run on the sandy beach.
"When someone comes here to become a Navy SEAL we push them beyond what they thought were there limits and they find out who they really are," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Rob Stella. "Today, each athlete found himself stretched at some point and got past it. It's inspiring to watch them, and the support from their coaches and families was clearly evident."
The high schools, including Del Norte, Central Catholic, Mira Mesa, East Lake, University City, St. Augustine, Hueneme and Irvine, were each represented by a team of five student athletes.
The title of "Toughest Team" was awarded to the Nighthawks of Del Norte High School, and teammate Alan Rogers was recognized for his top individual performance.
Irvine High School placed second as a team and team members Bradley Buzby and Ryan Paul won individual honors in the 300-meter swim and pool-based Frogman Challenge, respectively.
"Competition is always great when it's fresh," said Scott Hinman, Irvine High School water polo coach. "We have a lot of specialty sport athletes and this allows them to use their skills in a different setting against other people with a fresh perspective on competition. You just have to get in, do it, and just go for it."
Central Catholic High School placed third, and water polo coach Buddy Westin was impressed with the level of the competition and how his athletes rose to the occasion.
"We selected some of the best athletes we have to compete in this invitational," he said. "To bring them closer together and see them compete with these other athletes and have these physical constraints put on them strengthens their bodies and their minds."
For one student athlete the tournament was a preview of a future career.
"I'm trying to get into the Naval Academy and work my way to a SEAL team," said Jake Ramonas of University City High School. "The highlight of today was that I didn't do just the minimum on the obstacle course. I pushed myself to complete every obstacle."
Mira Mesa High School water polo player Kyle Hanson said the best part of his day was seeing the finish line and pushing to run as fast as he could to get to the end.
"This is one of the biggest challenges I've done so why not come out here and push myself," he said. "The toughest thing was the rope swing because my arms just wanted to give out, but I had to push through to get across to the next rope."
Jake, Kyle and the rest of the athletes examined SEAL weapons and gear, including an armored Hummer patrol vehicle and a high-speed boat. Ultimately, it was the friendly competition that made the biggest impression.
"The Navy SEAL Invitational is a great way to promote physical fitness in a competitive environment," said Bob Rohrbach, operations officer for the Navy SEAL and SWCC Scout Team. "It's also an exciting event that offers a rare peek inside Naval Special Warfare training while providing these athletes with an awareness of opportunities available in the Naval Special Warfare community."
USS George Washington to Return to Yokosuka
From a U.S. 7th Fleet News Release
YOKOSUKA, Japan, April 19, 2011 – The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington will return here tomorrow, nearly a month after it left its port following the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was completing routine maintenance March 11 when the earthquake and tsunami struck northern Honshu. The ship departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka on March 21 with 466 civilian contractors and shipyard workers embarked, who continued to conduct scheduled maintenance while the ship operated in waters near the Japanese islands of Shikoku and Kyushu.
USS George Washington departed Yokosuka to ensure that the ship could maintain readiness, and workers could continue work required to support the U.S.-Japan alliance, officials said.
The carrier made two visits to Sasebo while it was away from Yokosuka to exchange shipyard personnel and take on equipment to support the routine maintenance. Throughout this time, officials said, the Navy has maintained a strong desire and every intention to return to George Washington to its homeport at Yokosuka.
While George Washington was at sea continuing its routine maintenance, more than 20 U.S. 7th Fleet ships, including the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group, supported disaster relief operations off the coast of northern Honshu.
Lynn Opens Countertrafficking Command Center
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla., April 19, 2011 – A new, high-tech command center here will move the fight against illicit traffickers to a new level, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said yesterday.
Just before cutting a ribbon to the Joint Operations Command Center alongside William F. Wechsler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats, Lynn said the threat that plagues the region has evolved beyond drugs alone.
“Transnational criminal organizations are posing a not-very-well-understood, but growing, threat to the United States,” he told the task force staff. “It’s something I know you are on the front lines of addressing and, ultimately, preventing.”
The new command center serves Joint Interagency Task Force South, a subordinate command to the Miami-based U.S. Southern Command that integrates military, interagency and international capabilities to combat illicit trafficking.
Lynn traveled to Miami a day earlier to meet with Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, Southcom commander, and his leadership team. In testimony last month before the House Armed Services Committee, Fraser called the task force “the center of U.S. maritime interdiction efforts in the Caribbean basin and eastern Pacific.”
Using information from law enforcement agencies, the general added, the task force detects and monitors suspect aircraft and maritime vessels and then provides this information to international and interagency partners who have the authority to interdict illicit shipments and arrest members of transnational criminal organizations.
Task force members represent each U.S. military service and most federal law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Other members from the U.S. intelligence community represent the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Security Agency.
The task force staff includes liaison officers from 13 nations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Spain and the United Kingdom.
“We made the decision in April 2008 to apply our collective wisdom and knowledge across the interagency, our international partners and the joint team here,” Coast Guard Rear Adm. Daniel Lloyd, commander of Joint Interagency Task Force South, said during the ceremony opening the new operations center.
The aim, he said, was “to come up with a better way to be even more effective in countering the illicit traffickers.”
The new command center, Lloyd added, “is the first of its kind anywhere, and represents the very best way we know how to conduct the fight against illicit traffickers.”
In the center, intelligence and operations functions come together in a state-of-the-art command, control, communications and intelligence facility, officials said, where the task force coordinates the use of Navy and Coast Guard ships and aircraft, Air Force and Customs and Border Protection aircraft, and aircraft and ships from allied nations and law enforcement agencies.
“I think it’s important at this moment to recognize how far we’ve come,” Wechsler said. “Back in the 1980s, the mission set against which [the task force] was deployed was considered to be an unsolvable problem. There was a never-ending stream of air and maritime vessels headed right for our coast. It was a direct threat to U.S. sovereignty.”
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